The 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was a night to remember, and there’s still so much to discuss! Stevie Wonder paid tribute to two of Motown’s legends, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, with a show-stopping performance. The event, held on February 5, 2023, was a celebration of the timeless music that Gordy and Robinson have gifted the world through their contributions to the Motown sound.
Motown Legends At the Grammys
Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959, and is credited with revolutionizing the music industry. He discovered and nurtured the careers of legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder to name a few. Gordy’s contributions to the world of music have made him a legendary figure in the industry and his influence continues to be felt today.
Smokey Robinson is a another prolific figure in music history and Motown legend. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Robinson has been at the forefront of the Motown sound for over six decades. His smooth, soulful voice and his timeless hits, such as “My Girl” and “Tears of a Clown,” have earned him a place in the hearts of music lovers all over the world.
Stevie Wonder and His Impact on Motown
Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson was a fitting tribute to two of Motown’s most influential figures. As mentioned earlier, Stevie Wonder is a Motown alum. Motown Records signed Wonder onto the label in 1961 at only 11 years old. Wonder is not only an important figure to Black history, but also disability history. He was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity which caused blindness early in life for him.
Since then, Wonder has had a long and illustrious career in the music industry. He’s known for such hits such as “Superstitious”, “Isn’t She Lovely”, and “That’s What Friends Are For”. His unique blend of soul, R&B, and funk has earned him multiple Grammy Awards and accolades from fans and peers alike.
